The development of bone adhesive materials is a research field of high relevance for the advancement of clinical procedures. Despite this, there are currently no material candidates meeting the full range of requirements placed on such a material, such as biocompatibility, sufficient mechanical properties and bond strength under biological conditions, practical applicability in a clinical setting, and no adverse effect on the healing process itself. A serious obstacle to the advancement of the field is a lack in standardized methodology leading to comparable results between experiments and different research groups.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), which convey auditory signals from hair cells to the brain, can be a primary cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) or can occur secondary to hair cell loss. Emerging therapies for SNHL include the replacement of damaged SGNs using stem cell-derived otic neuronal progenitors (ONPs). However, the availability of renewable, accessible, and patient-matched sources of human stem cells is a prerequisite for successful replacement of the auditory nerve.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn dental practice, Regenerative Endodontic Treatment (RET) is applied as an alternative to classical endodontic treatments of immature necrotic teeth. This procedure, also known as dental pulp revitalization, relies on the formation of a blood clot inside the root canal leading to the formation of a reparative vascularized tissue similar to dental pulp, which would provide vitality to the affected tooth. Despite the benefit of this technique, it lacks reproducibility due to the fast degradation and poor mechanical properties of blood clots.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSpinal cord injury is a dramatic disease leading to severe motor, sensitive and autonomic impairments. After injury the axonal regeneration is partly inhibited by the glial scar, acting as a physical and chemical barrier. The scarring process involves microglia, astrocytes and extracellular matrix components, such as collagen, constructing the fibrotic component of the scar.
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